On 30 April, the official inauguration of UNIC Athens, the academic and research base of the University of Nicosia in Greece, took place in the Ellinikon area, in the presence of the Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, and representatives of the Greek government as well as the academic and business community. Eurobank was represented by Deputy Chief Executive Officer Konstantinos Vasileiou and other Group executives.
UNIC Athens is an investment being implemented with the participation of the University of Nicosia and Hellenic Healthcare Group, strengthening the outward-looking orientation of Cypriot education and its international presence. The project marks a significant international investment by a Cypriot university, representing an important development for Cypriot higher education.
The financing of the investment covered the purchase of the property, which was carried out through bank financing by Eurobank, as well as all modernization and technical upgrade works for the facilities, which were included under the loan programme of the Recovery and Resilience Fund. The total investment for the development of the project exceeds €65 million. The project aims to achieve a high level of operational adequacy for the property and to ensure the optimal operation of the University, contributing to the creation of a modern and fully equipped academic unit in a building that sets the standard for functional and environmental performance.
The investment for the modernization and technical upgrade of the facilities is part of the “Green Transition” pillar of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan “Greece 2.0.” The total budget of the investment amounts to €20.27 million, of which approximately €18.73 million is eligible investment for the building upgrade. The financing was covered 40% by a Recovery and Resilience Fund loan, 40% through bank financing by Eurobank, and 20% through the company’s own contribution by “Fastforward S.A.,” through which the building investment is financed and implemented. A significant part of the budget is directed toward actions supporting the green transition, such as the adoption of energy-efficient solutions in the building and mechanical infrastructure, enhancing the building’s energy performance and helping reduce its environmental footprint. The building is expected to be certified LEED Gold, confirming its compliance with modern environmental performance standards.
On the occasion of the investment, Eurobank Limited CEO Michalis Louis stated: “The co-financing of UNIC Athens is a major project for Eurobank and also an important development for Cypriot education. It is a high-specification building, a modern and fully equipped academic unit in a model building of functional and environmental performance, contributing to a high-quality academic life for students. At Eurobank, we support projects that promote progress and outward orientation, creating new prospects and modern foundations for sustainable development.”
